08/15/25 Public Health Education Topic: Varicella (Chickenpox)

Per CDC

Key points

• Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

• The virus spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has chickenpox.

• The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine.

Chickenpox is very contagious. Symptoms include an itchy, blister-like rash in addition to other symptoms. Chickenpox illness usually lasts about 4 to 7 days. Children usually miss 5 to 6 days of school or childcare due to chickenpox.

For most people, getting chickenpox once provides immunity for life. A person can get chickenpox more than once, but it is uncommon.

Signs and symptoms

The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the chest, back, and face, before it spreads to the rest of the body. A person with chickenpox may have as many as 500 blisters. It usually takes about 1 week for all of the blisters to become scabs.

Some people who have been vaccinated against chickenpox can still get the disease. However, they usually have milder symptoms.

Prevention

Protect yourself with the vaccine. The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Everyone—including children, adolescents, and adults—should get 2 doses of chickenpox vaccine if they have never had chickenpox or were never vaccinated. Most people who get the vaccine will not get chickenpox.

The chickenpox vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe illness. Since the chickenpox vaccination program began in the United States, there has been over 97% decrease in chickenpox cases. Hospitalizations and deaths have become rare.

To learn more visit: About Chickenpox | Chickenpox (Varicella) | CDC